Mycelium Bricks: A Sustainable Alternative for Climate-Resilient Construction

Sub : Env

Sec: Sustainable dev

Why in News

The construction industry is actively exploring eco-friendly alternatives to reduce its carbon footprint. Mycelium bricks have emerged as a promising solution due to their biodegradable, fire-resistant, and insulative properties, presenting an innovative step toward sustainable construction.

What Are Mycelium Bricks?

Mycelium bricks are an innovative material made using fungal mycelia—the vegetative part of fungi, comprising an extensive network of thread-like filaments known as hyphae.
Researchers combine agricultural waste such as husk and sawdust with fungal spores to form a fibrous network. Within days, the material solidifies into a lightweight, durable structure suitable for various applications.
Mycelia are essential decomposers, breaking down complex organic materials like lignin and cellulose, thus recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Symbiosis with Plants: Many plants form mutualistic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, enhancing water and nutrient uptake, which is crucial for plant health and soil fertility.

Advantages:

Lower Carbon Emissions: Traditional fired clay brick production emits nearly 300 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Mycelium bricks offer a sustainable alternative with a lower carbon footprint.
Lightweight: Their reduced weight can lead to easier handling and potential cost savings in transportation.
Biodegradability: Mycelium bricks decompose naturally over time, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Fire Resistance: Inherent fire-resistant qualities make them safer for construction.
Insulation: They offer good thermal insulation, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.

Potential Applications:

Construction: Suitable for non-load-bearing structures, interior paneling, and decorative elements.
Filtration Systems: Mycelium-based components can be used in liquid filters.
Manufacturing: Potential applications in sports equipment and printed circuit boards.

Limitations:

Structural Strength: Mycelium composites have a high strength-to-weight ratio but are considerably weaker than concrete. Currently, they are unsuitable for load-bearing structures.
Moisture Sensitivity: Mycelium bricks absorb more moisture than synthetic foams and plywood, making them less ideal for damp environments. They are also vulnerable to termite infestations.
Scalability and Cost Issues: The large-scale production of mycelium bricks is not yet feasible due to high costs and limited infrastructure.